Arthritis is a condition that causes pain and swelling of the joints. There are several different types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, though all types result in pain. According to the Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine, more than 20 million Americans suffer from a form of arthritis. Medications and painkillers are most often used to treat the symptoms of arthritis, though many of them have side effects. Avoiding specific pain-causing foods can help to ameliorate the symptoms of arthritis.
Milk
According to the Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine, milk is one of the worst beverages for people with arthritis, because it increases pain levels.
The protein found in dairy products like milk may lead to pain, so the Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine recommends a vegan diet, which has no dairy whatsoever, stating that most people with arthritis experience less pain when they get rid of dairy products from their diet.
Beef
Another food that can irritate arthritis is beef, according to the Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine. It states that meats like beef lead to hormonal imbalances and joint pain. It is not known why beef contributes to arthritic problems, but it is best to be safe and avoid it if you have arthritis.
The Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine recommends choosing non-meat forms of protein, like beans and tofu instead of meats to improve arthritic symptoms.
Oranges
Oranges are not one of the foods that most people think would be harmful for people with arthritis because oranges are a healthy and natural fruit.
The Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine explains that citrus fruits have been found to increase a person's risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis and possibly increase pain and inflammation among those who already have the condition.
Different types of fruits like apples and pears should be eaten instead of oranges for people who have arthritis.
Eggs
According to Arthritis Today, people who have a specific type of arthritis called rheumatoid arthritis have been found to have high levels of antibodies to eggs, meaning that their bodies have been fighting off the components in eggs.
This means that there may be an allergic connection between eggs and people with arthritis. Not all people with arthritis are allergic to eggs, but they may increase pain and joint inflammation in some people, so they should be avoided as much as possible.
